ST. LOUIS — Mark McGwire, one of the game’s most star-crossed sluggers, is back in baseball. He returns as the Cardinals’ new hitting instructor under manager Tony La Russa, who officially signed a new contract today.

For the past few years, McGwire has been working underground with hitters, including Matt Holliday and Rockies’ third baseman Garrett Atkins. McGwire stayed out of the public eye for years after his testimony in front of Congress regarding the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Holliday struck up a friendship with Mac, and would receive text messages during the season. And a year ago, the two began working out in person in Southern California. Garrett Atkins also attended some of those BP sessions.

“Yeah, I hit with him several times. He is a hard worker and knows what he’s talking about,” Atkins said Monday.

Footnotes
GM Dan O’Dowd and manager Jim Tracy should receive their new contracts any day now. Given that Manny Acta received a three-year deal with an option from Cleveland, I can’t see Tracy settling for less than three years. Both will be back. The issue is the term of the contracts. … Atkins’ future with the Rockies is bleak. The team is expected to try and trade him over the next two months. If that doesn’t work, he’s a prime candidate to be non-tendered in December, making him a free agent. … Derek Jeter took notice of shortstop Troy Tulowitzki’s season. “He’s obviously very talented. All he has to do is stay healthy,” Jeter said. … New York natives JAY-Z and Alicia Keys will perform their hit single “Empire State of Mind,” from JAY-Z’s album The Blueprint 3 on the field at Yankee Stadium prior to Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday. Following their joint performance, Keys will sing the national anthem.